Local Places to Shop for Unique Chattanooga Gifts

Chattanooga is well known for its abundance in scenery and outdoor activities. It has also been dubbed as a foodie’s paradise, with up-and-coming restaurants and — of course — the handcrafted ice cream shops! However, for those looking to add a little shopping to the itinerary, you will find many unique places to shop in Chattanooga.

From the historic streets of Northshore to the revitalized Southside district, our city’s boutiques, galleries, and markets showcase one-of-a-kind finds and keepsakes. Whether you are a visitor looking for the perfect souvenir or a local seeking a meaningful gift, Chattanooga has it covered! So, let’s get to shopping! 

Local Shopping for the Chattanooga History Buff

Every year, Chattanooga is visited by history buffs from all over, making it a great location to shop for Civil War memorabilia, railroad collectibles, and historical artifacts in specialty shops around town. 

Begin your historical shopping journey at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, where you'll discover Sweetly Southern, which is Chattanooga’s largest and oldest gift shop containing train memorabilia, T-shirts, hats, and much more.

About a mile and a half down Market Street, the Medal of Honor Heritage Center's thoughtfully curated store offers books chronicling local heroes, commemorative coins, and educational games that bring stories of valor to life.

For those fascinated by Chattanooga's pivotal role in the Civil War, the gift shops near the Battles for Chattanooga experience and Point Park feature authentic reproductions of period maps, soldier figurines, and locally authored books detailing the strategic significance of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain. 

No matter what you’re looking for, the city's historical shops offer treasures that connect you to the authentic story of this resilient Southern city.

Sweet Treats + Local Eats

The Chattanooga shopping experience is never complete without indulging in some delectable edible souvenirs. While Scenic City offers a number of culinary destinations, two sweet spots stand out for their treats and unique merchandise.

The crown jewel of Chattanooga's dessert scene is undoubtedly Clumpies Ice Cream Co., where small-batch artisanal ice cream has delighted locals and visitors alike since 1999. Beyond their famous scoops in flavors like Coconut Almond Chunk or Firecracker, Clumpies offers an impressive collection of branded merchandise that makes perfect gifts.  Their locally crafted pottery ice cream bowls (available in store) deserve special mention. Clumpies' merchandise line also includes cozy t-shirts, insulated pint holders, and charming stickers that let you take a piece of your favorite scoop shop home. For those who fall in love with Clumpies but can't fit everything in their suitcase, fear not - their online shop offers nationwide shipping of both packaged ice cream and their full merchandise collection.

Just down the street, The Hot Chocolatier tempts shoppers with artisanal chocolates, truffles, and signature hot chocolate mixes packaged in gift-ready tins. Their beautifully boxed chocolate assortments make perfect presents for sweet-toothed friends back home.

Whether you're shopping for a foodie friend or simply treating yourself, these sweet shops offer delicious ways to remember your Chattanooga adventure long after you've returned home.

Local Markets: The Heart of Chattanooga's Maker Community

While boutiques and specialty shops offer curated shopping experiences, Chattanooga's vibrant market scene provides an authentic glimpse into the city's creative soul. These bustling marketplaces bring together local businesses that showcase what our city has to offer, while providing the opportunity for patrons to gather and explore together. 

Nestled in the historic St. Elmo neighborhood at the foot of Lookout Mountain, the St. Elmo Maker's Market has quickly become a cherished community tradition. Held seasonally, this artisan-focused market transforms the charming district into a celebration of local craftsmanship. 

For those seeking fresh, locally-grown gifts with a sustainable focus, the Main St. Farmers Market is a midweek treasure. Occurring every Wednesday and located in the Southside district, this is a producers-only, farmer-run market. Their mission is to inspire healthy, environmentally responsible lifestyles by fostering relationships within the local food community. All vendor farms must be located within a 100 mile radius of downtown Chattanooga, and must practice environmentally friendly farming methods. In the case of prepared food and other items at the market, artisan vendors use local ingredients when available.

No discussion of local shopping would be complete without mentioning the centerpiece of Chattanooga's market scene: the Sunday Chattanooga Market at the First Horizon Pavilion.  As the region’s largest producer-only market, this weekly gathering transforms the pavilion into a vibrant showcase of vendors offering locally-grown produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods. Be on the lookout for the Market’s schedule of weekly themes throughout the season, including the Strawberry Festival and the annual tradition of Oktoberfest.

Whether you're seeking a meaningful gift, a unique souvenir, or simply a memorable afternoon immersed in local culture, Chattanooga's unique shopping destinations are sure to hit the spot. We hope we have inspired you to get out and discover the sweet treats and treasures that Chattanooga has to offer.